Isaiah 41:26

Who has declared this from the beginning, so that we may know, and from times past, so that we may say: 'He was right'? No one announced it, no one foretold it, no one heard your words.

Study Bible

Who has declared
This phrase invites us to consider the omniscience and sovereignty of God. In the Hebrew, the word for "declared" is "נָגַד" (nagad), which means to make known or to announce. This word emphasizes God's role as the ultimate revealer of truth. Historically, this challenges the false gods and idols of the surrounding nations, which could not predict or declare future events. It underscores the unique position of the God of Israel as the one who knows and reveals the future.

from the beginning
The Hebrew term "רֹאשׁ" (rosh) is used here, meaning "head" or "beginning." This phrase points to God's eternal nature and His presence at the inception of time. It reminds us that God is not bound by time; He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. This is a profound assurance for believers, as it affirms that God’s plans and purposes are established from the very start.

so that we might know
The purpose of God's declarations is for human understanding and knowledge. The Hebrew word "יָדַע" (yada) means to know intimately or experientially. This suggests that God desires a relationship with His people, where they can trust in His revealed word. It is an invitation to faith, encouraging believers to seek understanding and wisdom from God, who reveals His plans for our benefit.

or beforehand
This phrase emphasizes the predictive nature of God's declarations. The Hebrew "לְפָנִים" (lefanim) can be translated as "before" or "in front of." It highlights God's ability to announce events before they occur, setting Him apart from idols and false prophets. This foreknowledge is a testament to His divine nature and serves as a foundation for the trustworthiness of His promises.

so that we could say, ‘He is right’
The phrase underscores the reliability and truthfulness of God's word. The Hebrew "צַדִּיק" (tsaddiq) means "righteous" or "just." This is a call to acknowledge God's righteousness and the accuracy of His declarations. It is an affirmation that when God speaks, His words are true and just, providing a solid foundation for faith and obedience.

None of this
This phrase points to the inability of idols or false prophets to predict or declare the future. It highlights the futility of trusting in anything other than the one true God. Historically, this was a direct challenge to the pagan nations surrounding Israel, whose gods were silent and powerless.

was foretold
The Hebrew "שָׁמַע" (shama) means "to hear" or "to listen." This indicates that no one heard or received any true prophecy from idols. It emphasizes the silence and impotence of false gods, contrasting with the living God who speaks and acts in history.

None of you heard or paid heed
This phrase further emphasizes the absence of any true revelation from idols. The Hebrew "שָׁמַע" (shama) is repeated, reinforcing the idea that there was no genuine communication or prophecy from these false sources. It serves as a reminder to believers to listen to and heed the voice of God, who alone speaks truth.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book bearing his name. He prophesied during the reigns of several kings of Judah and is known for his messages of both judgment and hope.

2. God
The central figure in this passage, God is portrayed as the one who knows the future and declares it, contrasting with the false gods and idols who cannot predict or control events.

3. Israel
The nation to whom Isaiah is speaking. Israel is often addressed in the context of their relationship with God, their struggles with idolatry, and their need for repentance and trust in the Lord.

4. False Prophets/Idols
Implicit in the text is a critique of false prophets and idols, which claim to have knowledge and power but are shown to be impotent compared to the true God.

5. The Nations
The surrounding nations are often referenced in Isaiah as those who do not know God and rely on their own gods and idols, which are powerless.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Omniscience
God alone knows the future and declares it. This should lead us to trust in His plans and purposes, even when we do not understand them.

The Futility of Idolatry
Idols and false prophets cannot predict or control the future. We must be wary of placing our trust in anything other than God, whether it be material possessions, human wisdom, or other forms of idolatry.

The Importance of True Prophecy
True prophecy comes from God and is always fulfilled. We should test the spirits and be discerning about what we accept as truth, aligning it with Scripture.

God's Faithfulness
God's ability to declare the end from the beginning assures us of His faithfulness. We can rely on His promises and find peace in His unchanging nature.

Witnessing to Others
Just as God declares His truth, we are called to be witnesses to His power and sovereignty in a world that often follows false gods and ideologies.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in declaring the future impact your daily trust in Him?

2. In what ways might modern-day idolatry manifest in our lives, and how can we guard against it?

3. How can we discern true prophecy or teaching today, and what role does Scripture play in this process?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How does this encourage you to trust Him with the unknown?

5. How can you be a witness to God's truth and sovereignty in your community, especially among those who may follow different beliefs or ideologies?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 44:7-8
This passage also emphasizes God's unique ability to declare the future, contrasting with the inability of idols to do so.

Deuteronomy 18:21-22
These verses provide criteria for discerning true prophecy, highlighting the importance of accurate fulfillment as a sign of divine origin.

Acts 17:24-31
Paul speaks to the Athenians about the true God who is not like idols made by human hands, echoing Isaiah's message about the futility of idols.